The Wave by Kristen Crusoe

Author:Kristen Crusoe [Crusoe, Kristen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: RedDoor Press
Published: 2020-12-16T11:35:22+00:00

Chapter 19

Clair

The cab pulled up to the house. It was fully dark now, a new moon offering no light. Wishing she had left a light on, she dug in her bag for her phone, turning on the flashlight function. It illuminated the front door, which she saw had been left open, only the screen door keeping out the autumn winds and evening insects. Remembering how excited she had been to surprise Adam, to reclaim her office, and role as wife and teacher, rushing out, not bothering to close the door behind her. What a delusion, she chided herself.

‘Will you wait here?’ she asked the cab driver. ‘I’ll just be a few minutes, OK?’

Rushing into their bedroom, she pulled open her closet, ripping shirts and pants off hangers. Drawers pulled open, underwear, sweaters, and night clothes were found, tossed into a large fabric tote. From the bathroom, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and body lotion. They’ll have everything else I need, she thought. This will do for now. One final look into Devon’s room, gratified to see that the cars were still arranged in their circle, she rushed back out into the cold, dark night, the only light coming from the taxi’s low beams. She opened the door, falling back against the seat, exhaustion leeching the last drops of energy from her.

‘Harbor hospital, cancer center housing,’ she said. ‘And please, hurry.’

She had called ahead, letting the desk know she was coming. The housing for cancer patients was simple and provided small, studio-type apartments, with a central kitchen and community room. Tonight, only two of the five studios were inhabited, making it easy for her to get one at the last minute. They were set up for patients who had to drive long distances to receive their treatments. She had explained that she needed to stay because she didn’t have transportation and had to see Dr Ellerby first thing in the morning. The desk clerk didn’t argue.

A woman was standing at the kitchen counter as she walked through the lobby of the housing center. Tall, but stooped, she moved slowly, as though every action required enormous energy. She leaned against the counter, both hands pressing against the edge. Clair didn’t want to startle her so she spoke softly.

‘Hello, I’m Clair, can I help?’

The woman turned, and Clair saw such pain on her face, she stepped back.

‘Oh, no, sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment. Hi, I’m Hope, what a ridiculous name, especially now. Oh, dear, sorry again. I must sound mad.’

‘No, really, Hope, it’s good to meet you. Can I do something? You look like you were going to be sick.’

‘Not me, no, I’m fine. It’s my husband, Mike, he’s sick. And we just learned he can’t have any more treatment. It’s futile, they said. So, we have to go home, back down to Redwood City. It’s right on the border with California, but inland, about a hundred miles. It is in California actually, what am I saying, I’m rambling. But we didn’t have a cancer center there and we would rather be up here.

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